‘Growing crisis’

“This strike action has facilitated a loss of over £1.5m worth of business already, and with growing concerns from other customers more losses are imminent.

“It may be obvious but put simply, without customers there are no jobs at all. These lost contracts are now being undertaken in other shipyards.”

Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner said the government should stop “sitting on its hands” as shipyards across the UK face a “growing crisis”.

“We are demanding that the government steps up and brings forward already committed work from the Royal Navy while we work with other key customers to bring projects scheduled for later in 2019 into the yard early.

“There is no reason for these job losses and it is time Cammell Laird started working constructively with Unite, and for everyone with an interest in a strong future for UK shipbuilding, to come together to protect vital skills and jobs before they are lost forever.”